Futbol, not football

More than 35,000 tickets have been sold for the soccer match between the national teams from Mexico and China on April 16, so additional tickets are being made available by opening another section of Qwest Field.

Here’s the release from the Seahawks:

KIRKLAND – Tickets sales for the upcoming match between the national teams of Mexico and China on Wednesday, April 16 at Qwest Field have surpassed the 35,000 mark.

Due to the incredible response of the local soccer community, the east side of the upper level at Qwest Field will be opened to accommodate the demand. Seats located at midfield in the upper level vary in price from $20 – $30. Tickets can be purchased through the following avenues.

The match is the first in Mexico’s 2008 U.S. Tour, and will be followed by games against Argentina on Wednesday, June 4 at San Diego’s Qualcomm Stadium, and Peru on Sunday, June 8 at Soldier Field in Chicago.

The match will mark only the third encounter between these teams, and the Federación Mexicana de Fútbol’s first appearance in Seattle and at Qwest Field, which will be the home of the Major League Soccer franchise in 2009.

Fans are recommended to arrive early and enjoy the now-popular Futbol Fiesta, the interactive fan zone that spans more than 100,000 square feet. The fiesta features live music and offers promotional items from the FMF’s U.S. sponsors – adidas, Allstate, AT&T, Bud Light, Chase, Coca-Cola, Jose Cuervo, Makita, McDonald’s, NAPA, The Home Depot and Visa.

Fútbol Fiesta will begin at 4 p.m. in the North Parking lot at Qwest Field. Qwest Field gates will open at 6:30 p.m. for 8 p.m. first kick.